It was a frustrating day for Shane Lowry(Image: Getty Images)

Shane Lowry storms off from Masters interview after being pushed on Rory McIlroy

by · Irish Mirror

Shane Lowry's temper flared during the post-round interviews at the Masters after a query about Rory McIlroy rubbed him the wrong way. The Clara native enjoyed a strong start in the third round of the Masters.

He was 7-under through to hole 15 and skillfully secured par on the 16th despite finding himself in the bunker. However, his momentum took a hit with bogeys on the final two holes.

In his post-round interview, Lowry became irritated when he was asked a question about McIlroy, who established a two shot lead going into the final round after another fantastic display at Augusta National. Despite being close friends with the Northern Irishman, Lowry was unhappy with the focus being paid to the Holywood native.

When asked about the four-time Major winner, Lowry snapped: "No. No! I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes. I'm trying to win the tournament, as well.

"I know that's what you all want me to talk about, but I've just had a s*** finish, I've got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow, and I'm going to go hit some balls."

Lowry would go on to bring McIlroy up himself. He said: "I got off to a great start. There was an unbelievable atmosphere out there. Rory obviously was playing good behind and the roars, you had to stand off it a little bit, wait for those to happen, wait for him to get the shots.

Lowry struggled in the final holes(Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)

"But I've been around the block long enough to know that I need to do that. I felt like I did a good job. It's just a very unfortunate finish. I'm very disappointed, but that's this game. If I play the way I can play, I'll be there or thereabouts tomorrow."

After re-focusing on his own display, he added: "Yeah, a lot of pain, especially those last two holes. I enjoyed every bit of today and then I hit that putt on 17 and I couldn't believe it. I thought I did great holing one back and then just hit a very poor tee shot on 18.

"Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have a half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel. I'm probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I'm p****d off right now, so I'm just going to leave now, okay?" Lowry subsequently walked away from the interview.

WARNING: FOUL LANGUAGE IN VIDEO

Lowry goes into the final round on five under, tied in sixth place with Englishman Justin Rose, last year's winner Scottie Scheffler and Australian ace Jason Day. He and the rest of those in sixth are a long way behind McIlroy, who goes into the final round on 12-under, two shots ahead of second placed Bryson DeChambeau.

He is now in an excellent position to lift his first Major since winning the 2014 PGA Championship. McIlroy, who will complete the career grand slam if he keeps his nose ahead in the final round, said: "It was a dream start. I had a bit of a wobble around the middle of the round, I should have converted the birdie on nine, but I think I steadied myself on 11 and 12. To play those even par was important.

Lowry was playing ahead of McIlroy at Augusta(Image: Getty Images)

"I was trying to take advantage of the par fives and then the shot of the day for me on 15 and being able to convert that. A great Saturday and I'm excited for tomorrow.

"I won't shy away from it. Situations like tomorrow are the reason I get up, work hard and try to do the right things. If I didn't want this moment I wouldn't be doing those things. These are the pairings I want to be in and I'm excited for that."